Silhouette. Types of Sketches Turgenev 1883 Ermolai and miller. 2 Elizabeth Merkuryevna Boehm (Endaurova) (1843-1914)

The drawing presents a stark silhouette against a blank background, immediately establishing a sense of isolation and mystery. Here we see a figure, presumably male, standing in what appears to be overgrown vegetation. He is heavily armed; a rifle is slung over his shoulder, and he carries a bag or satchel at his waist. The posture suggests weariness, perhaps resignation, as the shoulders are slightly slumped. A dog accompanies him, positioned lower than the man and facing towards the viewer, its form echoing the general shape of its companion.
The artist’s choice to render the scene entirely in silhouette is significant. It eliminates any detail regarding facial expression or specific features, transforming the figure into a generalized archetype – a wanderer, an outcast, or perhaps a representative of rural life. The lack of shading creates a flat, graphic quality that emphasizes form over texture and depth. This stylistic choice contributes to the feeling of distance and anonymity.
The vegetation at the base of the composition is rendered with quick, scratchy lines, suggesting untamed nature and a sense of wildness. It also serves to ground the figure within a specific environment, hinting at a rural or pastoral setting. The Cyrillic inscription beneath the image provides contextual clues, though its meaning remains inaccessible without translation.
Subtextually, the drawing evokes themes of solitude, hardship, and connection with nature. The man’s armed state implies potential danger or a need for protection, while his posture suggests a burden carried both physically and emotionally. The presence of the dog introduces an element of companionship, albeit one that does not alleviate the overall sense of melancholy. The work seems to explore the relationship between humanity and the natural world, portraying a figure who is simultaneously part of and separate from it. Ultimately, the drawing’s power lies in its ambiguity; it invites viewers to project their own interpretations onto this enigmatic scene.